IRCC invites 356 PNP candidates in Express Entry draw
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has conducted a new Express Entry draw targeting candidates nominated through a provincial program.
The latest round of invitations issued 356 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) for permanent residence. Only candidates with a valid provincial nomination were considered.
This draw reflects continued use of targeted selection rounds in 2026, which have prioritised applicants already connected to Canadian provinces and labour markets.
- 356 ITAs issued in the latest Express Entry draw
- Draw targeted Provincial Nominee Program candidates
- Minimum CRS score required was 802
- Profiles needed to be submitted before February 12, 2026
- This marks the 18th Express Entry draw of 2026
Latest Express Entry draw details
The March 30 draw focused exclusively on candidates who had already received a nomination from a Canadian province or territory. These nominations significantly increase a candidate’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
To be eligible for this round, candidates needed a CRS score of at least 802. They were also required to have submitted their Express Entry profile before 3:54 a.m. UTC on February 12, 2026.
Provincial nominations typically add 600 points to a candidate’s CRS score, which explains the higher cut-off seen in this category compared to other draw types.
Overview of Express Entry system
Express Entry is Canada’s primary system for managing applications for permanent residence under key economic immigration programs. These include the Canadian Experience Class, the Federal Skilled Worker Program, and the Federal Skilled Trades Program.
Candidates are ranked using the CRS, which evaluates factors such as age, education, language proficiency, and work experience. Additional points are awarded for provincial nominations, arranged employment, and other criteria.
IRCC conducts regular draws, inviting top-ranking candidates to apply for permanent residence based on specified selection categories.
Role of provincial nominations
The Provincial Nominee Program allows provinces and territories to select immigrants who meet regional labour market needs. Candidates who receive a nomination through this pathway gain a significant advantage in Express Entry draws.
Many provinces operate streams aligned with Express Entry, enabling them to select candidates directly from the federal pool. Manitoba is among the participating provinces, with its own selection system detailed through tools such as the Manitoba PNP points calculator.
These nomination pathways are designed to distribute immigration across Canada and support regional economic priorities.
Express Entry activity in 2026
So far in 2026, IRCC has conducted multiple types of Express Entry draws, with a clear emphasis on candidates with Canadian experience and provincial ties.
As of this latest round, a total of 53,580 ITAs have been issued throughout the year across several categories.
The majority of invitations have gone to Canadian Experience Class candidates, followed by those with French-language proficiency.
Distribution of invitations by category
Canadian Experience Class draws have accounted for 28,000 invitations issued in 2026. French-language proficiency draws have resulted in 18,000 invitations.
Other targeted categories include healthcare and social services occupations, physicians with Canadian work experience, and senior managers, each with smaller invitation volumes.
Provincial Nominee Program draws, including the latest round, have collectively issued 2,939 invitations this year.
Recent draw trends
March has seen a series of Express Entry draws across multiple categories. These include Canadian Experience Class draws with cut-off scores slightly above 500 and French-language draws with lower CRS thresholds below 400.
Earlier in the month, another PNP-specific draw invited 362 candidates with a lower CRS cut-off than the most recent round. Variations in CRS requirements reflect differences in candidate pools and selection criteria.
Category-based draws have also played a role, with IRCC targeting specific occupational groups and language abilities.
Public relevance and immigration levels
Express Entry remains a central component of Canada’s immigration system, supporting economic growth and labour market needs. The use of targeted draws allows IRCC to align invitations with policy priorities.
Provincial Nominee Program selections continue to highlight the role of provinces in shaping immigration outcomes. These programs enable regions to address local workforce demands and demographic challenges.
The ongoing focus on candidates with Canadian work experience and provincial connections indicates a continued emphasis on applicants already established within the country.
Further updates on Express Entry draws and provincial nomination activity are expected as Canada continues to implement its 2026 immigration targets.